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4th Annual 10 Shining Students

The path to success is wide open.

By Craig Reem, Michael J. Medley, Sherri Gomez, Nancy Sidoruk, Ruth Planey Published: June, 2003

True story. On the Saturday of this cover shoot at Castle Park in Riverside, rain was pelting the Inland Empire something fierce all early morning. It had just stopped when the first of the students - Mark Fitu of Eisenhower High in Rialto - arrived. As he sat on a stool to have his individual photo taken, the sun broke through and shone on his face.

"It's a miracle," I said.

That, in part, sums up the group that comprises our 4th Annual 10 Shining Students. The path to success - and to making the world a little better - is wide open. The sun marks the spot, though these students seem to know the way.

Each June, we take time with this annual issue to show the potential - like a rough diamond - of some of the brightest students in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Selected from nearly 100 nominations coming from Inland Empire public and private schools, we weigh our selections not only on good grades, but on hope. After all, they represent the future generation that will have to try, with its own devices and ingenuity, to solve many of the world's problems - population, environment, disease - as well as focus on the challenges of multicultural unity, political courage and religious discourse.

These profiles were written by Inland Empire Family Magazine Senior Writer Michael J. Medley of Cherry Valley and contributors Nancy Sidoruk of Lake Elsinore, Ruth Planey of Temecula, and Sherri Gomez of Riverside.
- By Craig Reem

Jenna Chua Villacarlos

School information: The 18-year-old is a senior at Cajon High School in San Bernardino. She has a 4.81 gpa and will be the valedictorian of her graduating class. She is a member of the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation vice president, International Baccalaureate Seniors Club president, and Asian Club treasurer.

Her hopes and dreams: "To be happy and successful in my life and enjoy that with my family."

Looking at Jenna Chua Villacarlos's record of achievement at San Bernardino's Cajon High School and her service to the community, then encountering the petite teenager, one might be tempted to wonder how so much dedication to excellence and desire to serve can be held in that little package. That wonder will fade as soon as you begin to speak with her and that bright energy begins to flow out.

Her achievements are of such a quality that, on the day that she was interviewed for this story, her fellow students at Cajon High were having a pep rally in honor of her being chosen as the valedictorian of the graduating class.

Through her high school years, Jenna has not only achieved academic success and given of her time and talent in service to the community, she also has managed to balance that with a happy social life. She is very much a typical teenager who enjoys getting together with her friends "to play basketball, go bowling, or watch movies."

Jenna is a full International Baccalaureate diploma candidate. The International Baccalaureate Organization's Diploma Program, which was created in 1968, is a demanding pre-university course of study that leads to examinations. It is designed for highly motivated students between the ages of 16 and 19. Jenna knows that the years she has spent in the program will help her when she goes on to college. "It's a really good program," she says. "It really teaches you about time management, keeping focused, and working hard."

International Baccalaureate Coordinator Steve Flitsch has said that Jenna is not only outstanding academically, but that "she is a leader who has taken on numerous responsibilities and volunteered many hours in service to our community." Her service to the community has included working as a volunteer poll worker during the 2002 general election and spending a month as a volunteer at St. Bernardine Medical Center.

Of her Election Day experience, Jenna says "It was fun meeting all the people who wanted to vote, and it taught me how important it is to register and make your vote count." Of the time spent at St. Bernardine, she says, "I learned people skills, being patient with others and helping them get through what they want to get through."

Even activities that could be seen as simply a fun way to socialize, Jenna sees as another possible way to help others. She was treasurer of the school's Asian Club. Every year the school sets aside a day, called ICC Day, when all of the various clubs sell food to raise money. "We sell our Asian food," Jenna says, "and use the money to go to fun events or go out and do community service."

Jenna will be attending UC San Diego in the fall with the goal of becoming a pharmacist. Her parents were part of the inspiration for this career decision. "My parents are nurses, and they just told me that it's a really good opportunity. I want to help people, too." That desire to help others is something she mentions often; it is apparent as a key part of her character. Those lucky enough to meet and work with this young woman in the future will no doubt consider themselves better off for the experience.

- By Michael J. Medley

Heather Gutterud

School information: She is an 18-year-old senior at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside. She excels both academically and athletically, successfully juggling her role as student and tutor, star athlete and community volunteer. She will soon leave for the Big Apple to attend Columbia University in New York, a dream she says is the "best of both worlds." Perhaps while in the acting capital of the world, Heather also will find time to pursue drama, the one dream she wasn't able to fit in to her busy high school schedule.

Her hopes and dreams: To get an education at an Ivy League School, become a surgeon or assistant district attorney, and continue a softball career.

Heather Gutterud's high school resume appears to be straight from the pages of a college application "how to" manual. It's that impressive: Top honors student, AVID Tutor, Softball ASA national champion, varsity captain, volunteer for families in need. When college admission boards look for an ideal "well-rounded" student, Heather makes the grade.

Heather's scholastic accomplishments reach far beyond Martin Luther King High School. She was recently awarded the Governor's Scholarship Award, and in March of this year was recognized as "Student of the Month," appointed by state Sen. Jim Battin. But school isn't the only important thing in Heather's life.

"I enjoy spending time with my parents and my two younger sisters, Holly, 15, and Haley, 10," Heather says. "We love going to the Colorado River and Lake Mojave and relaxing, which I don't have much time to do with my schedule."

As a big sister, what advice would Heather give to Holly and Haley about the future? "First, I would tell them to always try their best in everything they do. You will never go wrong giving 100 percent and being yourself. Don't worry about what other people think or say; you have to do what is right for you and at the end of the day, you'll be content because you know you didn't compromise who you are or what you believe in."

Heather's future looks bright, whether she pursues a career in the operating room, courtroom or on a softball field. Even with all of her book smarts, common sense still prevails when it comes to deciding on a life career.

"Regardless of what job path you choose, you have to do what is going to make you the happiest. If your occupation makes you miserable, you'll never be happy despite how much money you make. Your happiness and family are what's important."

- By Sherri Gomez

Amelia Runyan

School information: Amelia Runyan is a senior at Rancho Cucamonga High School and an academic whiz. On the county's second-place Academic Decathlon team and recipient of numerous first-place individual awards, she is in the California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society. She is the Student Council's athletic representative. Amelia pitches for the school softball team, competes in travel softball tournaments and is headed to Princeton next fall on a full scholarship.

Her hopes and dreams: After Princeton, she hopes to attend the JFK School of Government at Harvard, run her own campaign for office and experience the various behind-the-scenes aspects of political life.

My hour with Amelia Runyan was relaxing. It seemed as if we'd met before. Well, we had - at the local Coco's, an hour before our interview. I was seated near a family just back from a softball game and from their energy level, I felt true enthusiasm for the sport - despite what I later learned was a losing effort by Amelia's travel softball team. But when the young lady in the group mentioned an upcoming interview with Inland Empire Family Magazine, I revealed myself and departed for a more distant table so the family bonding could continue - absent one curious eavesdropper!

Softball is a family affair for the Runyans. From supportive parents Louise and Bill, to Uncle Donald Deckard traveling on business and stopping by to cheer the team, and sister Meredith playing softball for Willamette College. This family means business, and that business is softball.

"I've been recruited since freshman year," says Amelia. "I wanted to narrow my choices to the Ivy League, so I made campus visits." Since the softball team will be her second family for four years, it was important to get a feel for both the school and the team.

"When I got to Princeton, I loved the team and campus atmosphere. And," she laughs, "I'm ready for any weather!"

Both times she visited the picturesque New Jersey campus, significant weather events occurred - a hurricane last September and a spring snowstorm.

Now, onto a focus of the often stormy world of politics. "I've always been interested in U.S. history," Amelia comments, "and now I'm realizing that I can become a part of it." The idea of doing so much via political life that can positively impact so many is fascinating to her. "It's not the individuals in office," she clarifies, "but the concept of those offices and what can be accomplished through them that intrigue me."

Whether it's reading extra books - Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With the Wind" is her favorite - or taking a strong course load, Amelia goes the extra mile to grasp a clearer understanding of history. Her summer 2001 travels to East Coast battlefields, monuments and government buildings also left a lasting impression.

Recently, Amelia volunteered for Paul Biane's county supervisorial campaign. This first taste of political life reinforced her desire to serve through government. No stranger to competition, it's likely that Amelia will succeed with the skill and determination that the modern political life demands.

- By Nancy Sidoruk

Serena Watson

School information: Serena is a senior at Ontario High School where she is the Associated Student Body President. She balances service with stellar classroom performance and will attend UC Berkeley or USC. An honor roll student throughout high school, Serena achieved high honors and recognition in geometry and science, respectively, on the Golden State Exam. She successfully participated in the Ontario Mills scholarship program and is a Governor's Scholarship recipient. She plans to major in communications.

Her hopes and dreams: "First, to choose the right university. Then, I want to become the next Oprah Winfrey - a successful black female billionaire with a talk show, magazine, and more."

"I've always wanted to make an impact," says Serena Watson. "And to do that in communications, it's important to be honest and sincere. That's why Oprah made such an impression on me. She grew up through adversity, dealt with problems honestly and never pretended to be something she wasn't."

Serena seeks to show others in her generation that it's possible to go to college. "There's so much that you don't know when you finish high school," she says. "You can get a job, but you want a career. College prepares you for that career."

Beyond school activities, Serena stays involved - from tutoring elementary school children to giving back to her faith community by working at Vacation Bible School. She's even spent the summer working in the thrift store at the Silver Spring Community Church and Center in Maryland, preparing donated clothing for shipment to the needy in other countries.

Serena also participates in the National Organization of Minority Enterprises, an organization started by her own grandmother. One focus of the group is to create community awareness of African-American businesses so that other African-Americans can easily locate and patronize these establishments.

"After I graduate, I'll start a West Coast chapter," Serena says. "It's important because we connect minority businesses to the communities they serve. Right now, most of the money made by African-Americans doesn't get put back into their own community - and that's because of lack of knowledge."

Serena's most significant role model is mother Gladys Wyatt-Nadreau. "She cares about everybody and never puts herself first," Serena says. "Family - they're the people who always make me happy."

But with a twinkle in her eye, Serena adds, "And my boyfriend, Kevan, is my hero."

Move over, Oprah, somebody new is closing in fast.

- By Nancy Sidoruk

Matthew Fetbrandt

School information: The 18-year-old is a senior at Hemet High School. He captained the school's Academic Decathlon team to its sixth consecutive Riverside County championship. He also has been heavily involved in the school's musical and theatrical arts programs. Matt has maintained a 4.02 gpa and scored 1200 on the SAT. He plans to attend UC San Diego as a music major.

His hopes and dreams: "I want my contribution to society to be an important one, not necessarily to be a person that everyone remembers, but I would like to be known for teaching people about music."

Like Rodgers and Hammerstein's vision of the Austrian Alps, Matthew Fetbrandt's life has been alive with the sound of music. "Music has always been a love for me," he says. He credits his parents with helping to fuel that passion, because "throughout my childhood they were really sponsors of the arts. They took me to the theater, they took me to concerts, so I decided to be involved in the arts somehow."

He began taking piano lessons in the second grade. When financial considerations brought the lessons to an end, his natural gifts came to the surface as he continued to play, and, "basically taught myself from there on."

Matt drew another character-defining lesson from his parents during a period of family trauma. As Matt, along with his brother and his parents, watched his sister suffer the ravages of manic depression, he learned the value of unconditional love. "It really tested my parents and tested me, to make sure that we, as her brother and her parents, that we loved her even though she harbored 'hatred' toward us. That taught me that as long as we love and accept one another, those times of guilt and horrible feelings toward each other will be overcome."

His musical talents have become part of how he expresses his Catholic faith. "I've been able to know more about myself through the teachings of God," he says, "and realize the wonderful things there are in this lifetime." Going to church on Sunday was a mandatory part of Matt's childhood, but he says that his parents "give me more of a choice now, and I still decide to keep going because they instilled the sense of religious obligation when I was young. Now I get up every Sunday and rehearse with the choir as the accompanist. I play the piano at every 10:30 Mass and I enjoy it."

Skill at the piano and participating with the chamber singers and the choir ensemble at Hemet High have formed a natural path leading to Matt's decision to attend UC San Diego as a music major. He expects his work with the Academic Decathlon team to have an impact on his college career. "It gave me a good basis for studying," he says, "so when I go to college, I'll know how to study and be a well-prepared student."

As much as he enjoys performing musically, including the "interesting experience" of a recent trip to New York City where the choir ensemble participated in a national invitational choral festival, Matt plans to pursue a career as a music teacher. "Everybody who's involved in music loves performance, but there's that side of me that wants to teach younger people what I've learned, my experience. There's quite a lot of demand for the education, and I think that's a vital thing in a child's life."

- By Michael J. Medley

Nicole Spooner

School information: This 18-year-old senior at Temecula Valley High will return to her East Coast roots this fall to attend Cornell University in New York. There she plans a double major in English and marine biology, and to compete on the college's equestrian and polo teams. After Cornell, it might be veterinary school. Taking AP classes and an overall gpa of 4.2 earned her a lifetime membership to the California Scholarship Federation. She ranks fifth out of 620 in her graduating class.

Her hopes and dreams: A career benefiting animals, which also makes a difference in people's lives, is a top priority while sharing what she learns and sees through her writing.

Nicole Spooner always loved the beach and surfing, but when she learned to scuba dive four years ago, a new world opened up for her beneath the waves. She saw turtles and eels and held an octopus in her arms.

"I felt the suction cups on the end of the tentacles as it moved," Nicole says. "It was definitely thrilling."

Whether the topic is the ocean or exploring life as a high school student, she enjoys writing. A near perfect score on the writing portion of the SAT-2, awards for her stories and poems, and a job as a senior editor on the campus literary magazine won Nicole one of the few select seats at the UCLA Young Writer's Conference this year.

According to high school counselor Matt Warren, Nicole's academic record ranks her in the top 1 percent in the country and speaks for itself. But, her accomplishments go beyond the classroom.

"Don't let opportunities pass you by," says the tall, slim teenager, sporting a diamond horseshoe necklace for good luck and to show her love of horses. "Work toward your goal."

That philosophy pays off. Bright red, yellow and blue ribbons for her equestrian expertise as a jumper form a border around her room. Since she competes almost year-round, training takes up several hours a day at least five times a week. Her commitment, determination and sense of responsibility to her sport and her horse often take her to the winner's circle to receive awards such as Reserve Champion at the Indio Desert Circuit, a national A-rated competition held this past February. She's looking forward to competing on Cornell's polo team, which is rated as one of the nation's best.

Naming a horse "Taking it to the Max" fits with Nicole's fearless and adventurous side. That's where you see a mischievous smile and a special energy in her eyes as she talks about bungee jumping. Dangling over the edge of a platform without knowing when the bottom would drop out, she plummeted into the water and loved it.

Horse Hugs, a nonprofit volunteer organization Nicole and her mother started in 2002, brings miniature horses to patients in nursing homes and hospitals and to people with special needs. It might be just the tip of the iceberg in the potential lying beneath Nicole's quiet and shy surface.

- By Ruth Planey

Mark Fitu

School information: The 17-year-old is a senior at Eisenhower High School in Rialto. He also has been a teaching assistant and maintained a 3.51 gpa while taking AP classes in virtually every subject this year. He participates on the school's football, wrestling, and track and field teams.

His hopes and dreams: "I hope to be successful and have a family, to make sure that they are taken care of, to make sure everything's taken care of for my family and my parents, and to make sure that my kids and my family have a better life than I had." Mark Fitu recently wrestled with the decision of whether he would attend Brigham Young University or the University of Hawaii after his graduation from Eisenhower High School. Asking him about his final decision and how it was reached, one gets the impression that he not only takes his academics seriously, but he also knows how to enjoy life and have some serious fun when he sets his mind to it. "I talked with my parents about it and decided they wanted me to go to Utah," he says. A smile crosses his face: "It's a better environment for me there than Hawaii."

When Mark goes to BYU, he plans to major in history, earn his bachelor's and master's degrees, and pursue a career as a high school history teacher at, where else, Eisenhower High School. He has taken all of the honors and Advanced Placement classes in history that are available at Eisenhower. He has always been interested in history and says, "When I first came here, history was one of the subjects that kept me interested, kept me awake."

He feels that keeping that spark of interest alive is one of the keys to success. His description of a good history teacher: "A person who can teach AND make the class fun for the students." His Eisenhower teachers have influenced his desire to return to the school as one of them. "I've seen the way the teachers are, the way they treat students here."

Mark acknowledges that he has grown up quite a bit in his four years at Eisenhower and expects that process to continue through his college career. "When I was in middle school, I was a class clown and played around a lot. I've grown more serious in my work, more dedicated to my homework and my schoolwork." And how does he describe the man who will graduate from BYU? "I expect to be more mature, a little wiser. I'm still a normal teenager, a young guy, but I hope when I'm done I'll be a little smarter and more mature."

His affection for Eisenhower goes back even before he was a student. "I love Eisenhower. I started out as an Eisenhower football fan when I moved here from Compton," he says. "I want to coach here, coach wrestling, coach football, whatever I can do." Future students will be fortunate indeed if Mark's dreams are fulfilled and they have someone to help guide them through such an important time in their lives.

- By Michael J. Medley

Wendy Medina

School information: The 18-year-old is a senior at Rubidoux High School. As valedictorian for the Class of 2003, Wendy's academic career is impressive, but it is her inner drive that will ensure that she fulfills her goal to become a neurosurgeon. The recipient of countless accolades, including the Governor's Scholarship Award, Hispanic Heritage Award, and the Outstanding Students of America Scholarship, Wendy will do her undergraduate work at UCLA and hopes to attend medical school on the East Coast.

Her hopes and dreams: After practicing as a neurosurgeon for a few years, Wendy plans to establish a foundation that provides cost-free health care of Hispanic families who cannot afford the expenses of costly operations.

Wendy Medina is a young, spunky Latina woman whose life dream is to become a neurosurgeon so that needy Hispanic patients will receive the treatment they need. For this student, these are not lofty goals, but a fulfillment of what she considers her life's mission: to provide help and support to others.

Wendy comes from a small, close-knit family who offers support for her future plans. To her sister, Viviana, she would give some excellent advice: Follow your dreams, don't face the future with fear but with excitement. Given Wendy's success, at the young age of 18, and on the threshold of her life, it is clear that she follows her own advice.

But for Wendy, life is not just about work and no play. She enjoys volunteering at her church or other special events where her giving nature is put to good use. In her own words, she is also a "typical teenager" and loves dancing, going to the movies, and spending time with family and friends at the beach and jet-skiing.

Wendy's wisdom reaches far beyond her teenage years, particularly on the subject of planning one's life occupation. "It does not make sense to me to make millions of dollars at a job that you dread going to every day," says Wendy. "You have to choose an occupation that you will love."

She also speaks about taking risks in life, but she sums up her philosophy simply: "Without risk there is no success. There are no limitations to what an individual can accomplish if one's mind is focused. Fear cannot cloud your passion."

- By Sherri Gomez

Roxannamarie Ray

School information: The 17-year-old is set to graduate from San Jacinto High and attend Biola University in La Mirada as an art major. She then plans to earn her teaching credential and pursue a career as an educator. Art is her first love. She was awarded the Ethel M. Silver Scholarship in visual arts this past fall and won first place for a watercolor painting at the Riverside County Fair in Indio.

Her hopes and dreams: "Finishing college and moving to Oregon, where I am dreaming of living because it's so gorgeous, finding my little house, teaching art or having art as my sideline, and doing it all in God's eyes and through God's will."

Meeting a bright and personable young woman like Roxannamarie Ray and knowing what her life story was like when she entered San Jacinto High as a freshman, puts an exclamation point on why she is one of this year's Shining Students. Roxannamarie never knew her father and her mother battled drug abuse and suicidal tendencies. Conditions at home eventually led to her being placed in foster care and being separated from her siblings.

She adopted a gothic lifestyle and ran away from every foster home in which she had been placed. "My goal was to get out, do my thing, and forget about school," she says, "because I didn't think I was competent enough to actually go to college." That all began to turn around when she was placed with her current foster parents, whom she considers "my mom and dad."

Her foster parents gave her the love and acceptance that she had never known in her life and encouraged her to nurture her artistic talents as a path that she could follow in life. "They really molded me," she says, "and they made me realize that God has a greater plan for me."

Her love of art is not only a gift, but also has been a saving grace for her. Even as a child, her gift for drawing provided an escape from the turmoil of her home life. "When I was drawing, I was in my own world, doing my own thing. My mom, with her suicidal tendencies, couldn't interrupt that dream I had when I was doing my art work. Some people do drugs to get away from their problems. I drew to get away from my problems."

That love of art is something she wants to pass along to other kids as an art teacher. "I know there are tons of students out there who can be great artists," she says. "They just need someone to help them see that. If I can be that person, if I can make one person a thousand times better than me, I think I'd be a better person for doing that."

She also appreciates what her foster parents have done for her. She would like to make that kind of contribution in young lives in the future as well. "I would love to be able to touch other kids who are experiencing the things I went through, because there's nobody better to talk to than somebody who's been there," she says. "Whether I'd be a foster parent, or get into some kind of counseling through church, or have a position on campus where kids can come and talk to me, I think I could really help.

"I've come a long way from straight F's to straight A's." The right road.

- By Michael J. Medley

Jennifer Tam

School information: The 18-year-old, a senior at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, has equal passions for schoolwork, athletics and bettering the lives of those around her. She has been awarded a scholarship to UC Davis, is a member of the California Scholastic Federation and the National Honor Society. Jennifer volunteers countless hours helping mentor children at a safehouse and organizing food drives for the needy.

Hopes and dreams: To graduate from the UC Davis with a Ph.D. in animal sciences and a master's degree in environmental sciences.

Jennifer Tam, an energetic brunette with a warm smile, gives of herself in every facet of her life, encouraging others to do their best and cheering on those who may need a nudge to keep going. Jennifer's counselor fondly recalls an occasion when he tagged along at the back of the cross-country running pack. "After running for a while, I slowed down and started walking. Jennifer jogged in place beside me, helping me fight the desire to quit."

This encapsulates Jennifer's life mantra, whether she's pushing to excel in her AP classes, tutoring a friend in a difficult subject, or organizing a Thanksgiving food drive for the Salvation Army. Jennifer is a team player in school, on the field and in her everyday life.

For all of her 18 years, she has had the loving support of her mother Rose and sister Johanna, a varsity tennis captain at Arlington High School. Stepfather David has given support and encouragement.

"My mother has always been there for me. I admire her resourcefulness, having raised me and my sister by herself most of her life," Jennifer says. "My sister has been my friend and an inspiration to do well in school."

"Doing well in school" is an understatement, and her scholarship to UC Davis is testament to that fact. Jennifer is a longstanding member of the California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society and has taken AP coursework throughout her high school career. Jennifer believes that grades are important, but they stand second to understanding the concepts of her lessons. She confides that she wishes she had taken more difficult courses in high school, to both challenge herself and as preparation for college.

Although she has always had a strong belief in getting a good education, this philosophy is underscored when she hears people say that education is the one thing they wish they had pursued.

"It is never too late to return to school," Jennifer shares with others. "Push yourself and you'll find it's worth it."

Jennifer is involved in several community organizations. Through her volunteer work with the Youth Advisory Council, she established a project whereby a group of students visit and interact with kids each month at a local safehouse. She also helped organize tutoring programs and candy sales that provided $1,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and she and her fellow students coordinated an effort that resulted in a contribution of more than 5,000 canned and dried food items for the Salvation Army. She is proud of an award that she recently earned at the Riverside County Art Show for a piece of ceramic artwork entitled "Autumn Leaves."

What does this do-it-all student/philanthropist/artisan/athlete do for fun? "I listen to music, go to my church's youth gatherings on Friday nights, hang out with friends and read an occasional good book."

- By Sherri Gomez

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